"I don't think any player is untouchable, that's the first thing I have got to say.

"That's not to say in any way, shape or form that we want to see Michael Owen leave this club. I certainly would not support that.

"But look around football and look what's happening, and I'm afraid a club and a manager not wanting a player to go sometimes is not enough.

"At the moment, I am sat here very relaxed about where we are. Yes, we have got a lot of injuries - that happens in football - but those players will get over the injuries, they will come back into the team and they will perform for the club.

"The fans shouldn't be worried. I am certainly not - and if I was worried, I would tell them."